Short Story Literary Terms Characteristics of the Short

Short Story Literary Terms

Characteristics of the Short Story Ø All characters are important. Ø There is little or no change of setting. Ø Only one impression or strong emotion is produced. Ø The plot is never complicated. Ø The story can be read in one sitting.

Characters

Stock/Static Characters Stock or static characters do not change. They do not evolve as a result of their experiences.

Developing/Dynamic Characters Developing or dynamic characters change. They evolve as a result of their experiences.

Protagonist The protagonist is who the action centers around. He/she is the main character.

Antagonist The antagonist is the opposing force. He/she is going against the protagonist.

Conflict is the main problem in the story. There are many types of literary conflict.

Person v. Person

Person v. Self

Person v. Nature

Person v. Society

Plot is the main events in the story.

Exposition Background information given at the beginning of the story. Tells about the characters, setting, etc.

Rising Action Plot events leading up to the climax.

Climax The most exciting part of the plot. Often the turning point.

Falling Action Plot events leading to the resolution. Comes after the climax.

Resolution The concluding events that resolve the plot, sometimes called the denouement.

Point of View Point of view is the perspective from which the story is told.

First Person Uses I, we, or me. Example, “I got up this morning and tripped over the dog. ”

Third Person Told by someone outside the story. Uses he, she or they.

Third Person Limited The narrator uses he/she but only knows the facts of the story, not the thoughts or feelings of the characters.

Third Person Omniscient The narrator uses he/she and knows everything, even the thoughts and feelings of the characters.

Tone Author’s attitude toward subject, such as angry, bitter, playful, or excited

Mood The feeling evoked by the piece of writing, such as gloomy, cheerful, or spooky

Setting is the time and place of the story

Theme The overall message that applies to most people, such as Love conquers all or In war, everyone loses.

Foreshadowing A warning of a future event

Flashback To go back to an earlier time or previous event

Irony A twist of circumstances or unexpected event

Symbols Concrete objects that stand for abstract ideas, such as a snake representing evil

Plot Diagram

©Kimberly Dana is an award-winning teacher and author. For more classroom ideas and activities, go to: http: //kimberlydana. com http: //www. teacherspayteachers. com/Store/Kimbe rly-Dana